Found this interesting.

[RedEyE]

Another bit of irony today:

I didn't know this: The Bills and Ralph Wilson were the first team to sell the naming rights to the stadium. A trend that continues well into today. Funny thing is that Ralph doesn't seem to care for that kind of thing anymore.

Article:

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/03/03/ap-state-il/d8v60kd01.txt

He's right, of course, but a smart businessman should also know there are times when being right isn't worth much. Any company dumb enough to fork over good money to slap its name on the park wouldn't find the confines friendly at the moment and historically speaking, naming rights have been a lousy investment _ not to mention bad karma.

The current trend got its start in 1973, when the NFL's Buffalo Bills took $1.5 million from Rich Foods to slap the company's name on their stadium for 25 years. By the turn of the century, there were more than five dozen major league stadiums sporting the names of companies who pledged a collective $3.4 billion.

[Mitchy moo]

Another bit of irony today:

I didn't know this: The Bills and Ralph Wilson were the first team to sell the naming rights to the stadium. A trend that continues well into today. Funny thing is that Ralph doesn't seem to care for that kind of thing anymore.

Article:

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/03/03/ap-state-il/d8v60kd01.txt

He's right, of course, but a smart businessman should also know there are times when being right isn't worth much. Any company dumb enough to fork over good money to slap its name on the park wouldn't find the confines friendly at the moment and historically speaking, naming rights have been a lousy investment _ not to mention bad karma.

The current trend got its start in 1973, when the NFL's Buffalo Bills took $1.5 million from Rich Foods to slap the company's name on their stadium for 25 years. By the turn of the century, there were more than five dozen major league stadiums sporting the names of companies who pledged a collective $3.4 billion.

Good investment for Rich.

[mikemac2001]

****ty owner

and greedy

[hydro]

It becomes more evident each day that Ralph isn't as dumb as some may think.

[The Spaz]

****ty owner

and greedy

A lot of owners took his lead though...

[Mitchy moo]

Who paid the most for naming rights to date??

[Mitchy moo]

Whoa:

But the deal expected to set naming rights records is the new football stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets in East Rutherford.
The stadium would create a historic proposition, Ganis said: The most value ever offered, in the most expensive media market, and for two NFL franchises. He predicts the deal to go for at least $25 million to $30 million annually.
"The NFL is such a marketing juggernaut in the world of sports, that there's just no other league that's close to it," said Denver sports consultant Dean Bonham. While he wouldn't estimate the amount, he predicted it would be a landmark deal.

[mikemac2001]

A lot of owners took his lead though...


was jk

because so many people bash him but he has been a solid owner

[The Spaz]

was jk

because so many people bash him but he has been a solid owner

Ok sorry man.:up::beers:

[Philagape]

Has anyone ever bought a Rich Foods product because their name was on the stadium?

[Mitchy moo]

Has anyone ever bought a Rich Foods product because their name was on the stadium?

When you bought coffee at Rich Stadium do you know which creamer was there?? I'll give you one guess.

[jamze132]

Piggly Wiggly Field... Home of the New York Giants/Jets.

[gr8slayer]

was jk

because so many people bash him but he has been a solid owner
Solid is a push. He has yet to bring home a Lombardi Trophy.

[cba fan]

It becomes more evident each day that Ralph isn't as dumb as some may think.

Really? 2 points then to think about.

1. If he is such a genius why did the county get the 1.5 million for Rich naming rights?

Ralph negotiated for and now owns the naming rights to the stadium in Orchard Park per the last county lease negotiations.

2. Why does Ralph refuse to sell naming rights now? Instead he loses out on much more than 1.5 million by refusing to remove his name from the stadium. Probably loses out on more than 1.5 million per year just to inflate his ego and cry poverty at the same time. Amazing.

Bills raise parking fees to bring in an extra $50,000 or so a year and yet refuse to sell something that would bring in 6 or 7 figures yearly. Unbelievable.

[DrGraves]

Just sell out and give the naming rights to labatts or something. use the millions you make to just go get some good free agents instead of pissing and moaning about every penny.

also give some money to the sabres so they don't have to let briere, drury, zubrus, and campbell walk away.

[mybills]

Has anyone ever bought a Rich Foods product because their name was on the stadium?
Pats fan buy Gillette razors for their backs! :up:

[Mitchy moo]

Pats fan buy Gillette razors for their backs! :up:

For their girlfriend's backs, :up:

[Meathead]

i wish ralph would sell the naming rights. and he could kill two birds with one stone - get the big bucks for doing it while also having it named with something that still identifies with him

Welcome to Depends Stadium

[mybills]

:chuckle:
How 'bout Poly Grip Stadium!

[superbills]

Or Life Alert Stadium

Ralph's bracelet should have special provisions...

If Ralph has fallen and can't get up, Jim Kelly and Golisano should be called immediately.